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Saturday, 11 September 2010

...a note about October

I know, we haven't even had September release yet! lol. Anyhow, I was just taking a break from setting up the store for tomorrow and I thought I'd do a little hopping about on the web.

I spotted a stamp set concept being released this week with another company that is identical to one that I will be releasing in October. The concept is based on frame stamps that have a little space left in the frame into which folks can stamp a sentiment. It is a popular theme in stamping and, at present, and most folks draw the square or rectangle with a pen and ruler.

The concept for the WMS set was brought to me by my pal Joan way back in May and I duly drew it up and sent it off for production. If my set was not already in production, I would possibly have the option to either cancel it or make significant changes but it is already too late for that, so I just wanted to give folks a heads-up so that in October there is no misunderstanding about where the idea for the set came from.

I am not going to share a peek of it now as I feel it is inappropriate for me to directly compete with the other release, the bottom line is that the set being released this week is the first one off the mark that I am aware of and should be accorded the excitement it deserves, no doubt other companies will produce their own versions in time, I just wanted to record the fact that the WMS version is already in production as a complete coincidence and not as a direct response to the set being released this week. Thanks for listening!

Scroll down if you haven't already entered our September release prize draw!!!
our release opens tomorrow at 7pm (my time)!!! you have until 5pm tomorow(my time) to enter!!
Posted by Unknown at 11:33 pm
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44 comments:

  1. Jen Tapler12 September 2010 at 00:01

    Claire - I just want to say that I think it speaks volumes about your level of professionalism (positively, LOL) that you would post this - both according the other stamp company their own excitement about their set AND letting your customers know ahead of time what's up. As a DT member for other stamp companies I see first-hand that this DOES happen quite often in the stamping world and there's just nothing to be done about it other than address the issue professionally and directly as you have done. I never see some *other* companies doing this, so I applaud you for this. I for one can't wait to see your version of the trendy idea!! :-)

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  2. Shannan Teubner12 September 2010 at 00:02

    You are a gracious and classy woman, Claire. Hugs to you :)

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  3. Joan B12 September 2010 at 00:03

    You are such a first class act!

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  4. Susan Raihala12 September 2010 at 00:27

    Nicely done, Claire. I agree with Jen, Shannan, and Joan. Class act, indeed.

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  5. Amber Hight12 September 2010 at 00:43

    Oh bless you Claire! Now I'm even MORE excited to see YOUR stamp set:)

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  6. Taylor12 September 2010 at 00:46

    Claire, you are so fabulous.

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  7. Unknown12 September 2010 at 00:50

    I applaud your professionalism!
    This kind of thing can be so discouraging for companies, and you are handling this with amazing tact, and graciousness. Makes me want to buy the stamp set-sight unseen-because I admire your business ethics (not to mention I LOVE your products & blog)!
    Well done!

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  8. Kathleen12 September 2010 at 00:55

    Thanks Claire, for your gracious words---so often this seems to happen---and I think it's just that trend followers see things at the same time---certainly there are enough craft/stampy dollars to sustain two sets! NO DOUBT!!!

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  9. Bonnie12 September 2010 at 01:04

    You, my dear, are a class act and you know that great minds think alike!!

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  10. Yvonne Russell12 September 2010 at 01:28

    How professional and generous of you to take ths approach. I can only agree with the others - a class act.
    Looking forward to seeing your release.

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  11. Melissa12 September 2010 at 01:29

    Claire, you truly are an amazing woman! I don't think anyone would ever accuse you of taking other people's ideas...you have such a unique style!
    I'm looking forward to seeing this set in October!

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  12. Meredith MacRitchie12 September 2010 at 01:42

    I think I know the set you speak of... was browsing there this a.m. (traitor, I know!)

    Inspiration comes from all over, and the stamping world, in some ways, is a small one, so of course there are going to be similarities... but you are so honest and professional, no one could think any less of you for the coincidence! Besides anyone who has spent any time on your blog knows how lovely and kind you are; you have nothing to worry about!

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  13. Cheryl12 September 2010 at 01:46

    Other people beat me to it, but I just wanted to say how much I like you! You are wonderful!

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  14. Kelly S.12 September 2010 at 02:29

    Awww Claire, you're so sweet! People aren't only drawn to your stamping style and images, but your grace, too! You make Waltzingmouse Stamps such a fun place to shop and visit. The more the merrier I say! So nice of you to acknowledge this on your blog, though!

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  15. Michelle Woerner12 September 2010 at 03:13

    Claire, this kind of thing just happens. Like Jen said, being on design teams, I see this thing from time to time. You have handled yourself with such professionalism. Good for you. I agree, there are more than enough crafty customers in this big bad world to sustain both stamp sets. Big hugs to you and I can't wait to see your set!!

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  16. Julie Ranae12 September 2010 at 03:14

    Claire...as one who has spent her entire professional life in marketing and public relations, you handled this situation with the utmost professionalism.
    The craft industry is a tough one as there can be so many 'coincidences' and all you can do is 'own' your work and stand by it. I for one, cannot wait to see what's next!

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  17. Mary I12 September 2010 at 03:31

    No worries Claire. With all of the creativity out there among stamp companies/designers it's bound to happen now and then that more than one person will come up with a similar idea.

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  18. Sharron12 September 2010 at 03:48

    Claire, what a gracious and sweet thing to post. Besides being so talented and creative, you are such an amazing and thoughtful person. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

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  19. Jean Marie12 September 2010 at 04:13

    Your stamps are great. Wish you would make more sets that go with Spellbinder dies. Look forward to your new release.

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  20. Marge12 September 2010 at 04:25

    You ladies all have your finger on the pulse of what's popular and I'm sure this isn't the first or last time this will happen. Very sweet of you to be forthcoming and let your fans know -- you're a sweet/classy lady, Claire!

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  21. Jen Cuthbertson12 September 2010 at 04:40

    I just left a big comment that got eaten but wanted to say that this seems to happen sometimes and given the lead time it would take to get a set designed and in production, I'd never imagine this would have been a copy. You are a class act for acknowledging this and I look forward to being a customer of WMS for a long time to come, accidental dups or not. :)

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  22. mommaladystamper12 September 2010 at 05:31

    Claie, I agree with everyone. You are a very classy lady. Thank you for explaining this to all of us, so I sm looking forward to your October realease. Alice

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  23. Jen12 September 2010 at 05:47

    Shocking that two separate individuals in two different parts of the world would think of the exact same design! *I hope you hear the Sarcasm in my voice!*
    If my twin sis and I can copy each other when we live hundreds of miles apart then you know that fellow crafters will have the same experience.
    Bravo for handling it as professionally as you have, especially because if I remember correctly this is not the first time one of your ideas for a stamp set has been released by a different stamp company (not that they stole your idea but that they had the same idea and had it produced before you did.)
    Can't wait to see what you have planned for Oct!

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  24. Jennifer Holmes12 September 2010 at 07:25

    Claire, if your customers hadn't realized it before, they certainly see now that you are a true professional. This is what makes WMS so special and sets you apart from any other company I've ever worked with before! You, my friend, are one classy lady!

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  25. Nan G12 September 2010 at 08:00

    I agree with the others, Claire, you're a classy and gracious woman! Can't wait to see your version of afore mentioned stamp set. Love you!

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  26. Tina Spohn12 September 2010 at 08:29

    Claire, for me I can say, I don´t just buy your stamps because they are so versatile and from highest quality. I also buy them because I really love the way you run your growing business just the way you do it. How you handled this issue is just a further proof how professional and wonderful you are.
    I guess I know the set you mentioned and I´m really looking forward to your set.

    Hugs, Tina

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  27. Ann12 September 2010 at 08:48

    Ah yes - but I won't have pay the extortionate shipping and import taxes to buy the set from you Claire! So I know where I'll be getting mine.

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  28. Lee12 September 2010 at 08:53

    Thanks for the update. I admire you so much. I always tell my family that I buy stamps from my "friend" in Ireland. I can't wait to see your frame set.

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  29. Wendy ten Hove12 September 2010 at 09:07

    Hi Claire,

    It's a shame that two wonderful ideas pop up at almost the same time, but that's just the way it goes, I think! There are more quite the same stamp sets around, I think that can not be helped.. Don't know which compnay it is, but I think your stamps are of amazing quality, so I'll surely go for them! ;-) It's a very good thing you worry about the copyright, that means you care about creations and respect creativity! I am very curious for the releases of today and it is wonderful to hear that more is actually coming up! Exciting!!

    Hugs,
    Wendy

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  30. Eveline12 September 2010 at 09:07

    Great creative minds think alike.
    I like your stamps and I'm glad I found your company.
    Eveline.

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  31. Debby12 September 2010 at 09:10

    Have only just discovered your stamps (I know, where have I been!) but love them already. Especially as you are the same side of the pond as I am. This statement today has just reinforced my interest in your company and your stamps.

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  32. Helen Berry12 September 2010 at 10:59

    Claire, this just goes to show that indeed great minds think alike and I think no-one could ever accuse you of being anything other than 100% genuine. You have such a high level of integrity and unique creative style and there's plenty of room for another version of the set. Can't wait to see the stamps in question and believe (as with all your sets) that you will do it your own sweet, wonderful way!! Big Hugs x x

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  33. Emilia12 September 2010 at 13:25

    I can't wait to see your frames. I like your style so much.
    Thanks for being such a professional and genuine person.

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  34. carole12 September 2010 at 13:32

    You know what ?
    I was interested to buy "the other" stamps sets BUT, now that I know that yours is going to be release soon... I will wait for

    I am a big fan of your stamps and stamps from the other company and I need to confess, often, I prefer your design and your prices. For example, I have the set label 1 and label vintage, and I prefer your design than the other and now, I know that there is more choices in this kind of sets, so you do not need to be confuse or anything else... We are so happy to have a grand choice

    And we know that stamps are designed many weeks before their release so there is no doubt, you are not a plagiat, you are a great girl and we love you.

    A bientôt,
    Carole

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  35. suezie12 September 2010 at 13:58

    Claire I have never doubted that you are an awesome lady and I whole heartedly agree with all that has been said - you have handled this so professionally. It just makes us love you that much more - I wonder - do y9u know how much you are loved? Well you are m'dear!
    I too know the set you're referring to and I was considering it but it's worth noting that those of us here in the UK need to have access to these kind of stamps right in our own back yard (so to speak) without ALWAYS having to foot an overseas postage charge! Besides I jusy got a new set from them delivered here at mom's yesterday (shame I can no longer share them with her) so there's room for both I'd say. Blessings

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  36. Amy Sheffer12 September 2010 at 14:52

    You are handling this beautifully, Claire! Ditto what all the others have said above! You are a class act!

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  37. Mary B12 September 2010 at 15:04

    Claire, very professionally and graciously handled. In the amount of time that I've been a customer and reader of your blog, I would have expected nothing different. Can't wait to see your version!

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  38. Candy12 September 2010 at 15:36

    Yeah, I am in time. Would really love anything you are giving away.

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  39. Pat12 September 2010 at 16:41

    Thank you for addressing this upfront, Claire. We all know that months of time, thought and preparation go into each stamp release and that this idea was developed (as theirs was) many months ago. The hot trends and graphics are everywhere. It's not surprising that 2 companies would have the same idea at the same time. I do know that your set will have that special Waltzingmouse touch to it. I look forward to ordering it next month. Thanks for handling this in an upfront manner. You are the BEST!!

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  40. Denise Bryant12 September 2010 at 17:20

    Very classy approach to a sticky situation. Bound to happen every so often, as everyone is keeping up with the newest trends. I love the idea of a frame stamp and can't wait to see what the WMS set looks like!
    DeniseB

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  41. LaurieJ12 September 2010 at 17:26

    Claire, I agree with everyone else. It's not surprising that separate, very creative people can recognize a trend and act on it. It what makes you a savvy business woman. Well done! So don't stress about the coincidence. I just think it was wonderfully professional that you were so up front about it.

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  42. Diane McVey12 September 2010 at 19:43

    Bless your heart...I'm so sorry yours didn't come out first, but I applaud your coming forth and explaining what is happening. Sometimes others DO copy stamps from releases, but I know that is not what happened with you. It's great that you explained it. I look forward to seeing what you have in store for us! Take care . :D

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  43. Nadine13 September 2010 at 00:05

    You are just awesome Claire to address this issue the way you did! You are one class act and I am quite happy to be one of your many customers. ;o)

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  44. JulieHRR13 September 2010 at 07:35

    It happens. Ask me how I know. :) What can you do? Move forward with grace and professionalism, as you have. *hug* Best wishes for a smashing release, Claire! *more mondo hugs*

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Thanks for taking the time to comment, :) I read them all and I appreciate you taking time to visit!

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